OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Udemy logo

The Secrets of Gypsy Jazz Guitar

4.7 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 125 ratings
see reviews
Yaakov Hoter

Do you know the feeling of "mystery" that surrounds the Gypsy Jazz style?How to get that special sound?How to play that unique swing?How to create those stylistic super-cool solos?

Absolutely everything you need is right here – the most accurate guidance, the best exercises, the most important techniques, so after learning this course you'll be able to play any song you want in the Gypsy Jazz style and sound like the "real-thing.”

Read more

Do you know the feeling of "mystery" that surrounds the Gypsy Jazz style?How to get that special sound?How to play that unique swing?How to create those stylistic super-cool solos?

Absolutely everything you need is right here – the most accurate guidance, the best exercises, the most important techniques, so after learning this course you'll be able to play any song you want in the Gypsy Jazz style and sound like the "real-thing.”

  • La Pompe – the heart of Gypsy Jazz rhythm

  • Stylish chord shapes and chord progressions

  • Rest-stroke picking – The Gypsy Jazz technique

  • Arpeggios and stylistic licks

  • Ornaments and embellishments

  • Improvisation in the Gypsy Jazz style

You'll learn all the basics of this style. After learning this course, you'll be free to continue your journey in the Gypsy Jazz style, with confidence. You’ll know what you’re doing, because you get those elusive essential fundamentals that you may have heard hinted at or taken for granted elsewhere.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Gypsy jazz guitar style
  • La pompe – the heart of gypsy jazz rhythm
  • Stylish gypsy jazz chord shapes and chord progressions
  • Rest-stroke picking – the gypsy jazz technique
  • Arpeggios and gypsy jazz stylistic licks
  • Gypsy guitar ornaments and embellishments
  • Improvisation in the gypsy jazz style

Syllabus

What is Gypsy Jazz
Gypsy Jazz and contemporary Jazz
Repertoire
Download repertoire list - PDF
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores La Pompe, which is the foundational rhythm technique in Gypsy Jazz, providing a solid base for learners
Covers rest-stroke picking, which is a core technique for achieving authentic Gypsy Jazz guitar sounds and styles
Teaches stylish chord shapes and progressions, which are essential for playing in the Gypsy Jazz style and creating authentic sounds
Includes downloadable PDFs of repertoire lists, chord progressions, and exercises, which may enhance the learning experience
Focuses on improvisation in the Gypsy Jazz style, which develops creative skills and allows learners to express themselves musically
Requires learners to have a guitar, which may be a barrier for some students who do not have access to one

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Secrets of gypsy jazz guitar style

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation for understanding and playing Gypsy Jazz guitar. Students particularly appreciate the clear breakdown of fundamental techniques like La Pompe rhythm and rest-stroke picking. The course provides practical building blocks for improvisation and covers essential elements such as stylish chords, arpeggios, and stylistic licks. While many find the course highly beneficial for learning the style's essentials, some reviews suggest it is best suited for guitarists with some prior experience, as it may move quickly for absolute beginners. Overall, it is considered a valuable resource for those looking to delve into this unique genre.
May require prior guitar experience.
"This course is definitely not for a complete beginner on guitar. You should know your basics."
"I found the pace manageable because I already had some intermediate guitar skills."
"Absolute beginners might struggle; it helps to be comfortable with core guitar techniques first."
Includes helpful exercises and examples.
"Putting it all together with the 'Dark Eyes' examples was very helpful for seeing how things fit."
"The etudes provided concrete ways to practice the learned concepts."
"The PDF downloads for exercises and repertoire were a great addition."
Covers key chords, arpeggios, and licks.
"All the essential chord shapes and arpeggios are covered thoroughly."
"The provided stylistic licks are incredibly useful for building vocabulary."
"I appreciate that the course didn't just cover technique but also the melodic and harmonic aspects."
Provides building blocks for soloing.
"The section on improvisation gave me a clear path to start soloing in the Gypsy Jazz style."
"Using triads and chromatic approaches as taught here opened up my improvisation ideas."
"I feel more confident about creating my own solos after going through the improv chapters."
Clearly explains essential style techniques.
"The instructor does a fantastic job breaking down the Rest Stroke technique. It finally makes sense!"
"Learning the traditional La Pompe rhythm felt effortless after watching these lessons."
"This course really helped me nail the specific picking and rhythmic techniques needed for Gypsy Jazz."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Secrets of Gypsy Jazz Guitar with these activities:
Practice Rest-Stroke Picking
Reinforce the rest-stroke picking technique, which is fundamental to Gypsy Jazz guitar.
Show steps
  • Review the rest-stroke picking technique demonstrated in the course.
  • Practice rest-stroke picking on open strings.
  • Apply the technique to simple scales and arpeggios.
Read 'Gypsy Picking: A Tutorial for Gypsy Jazz Guitar'
Improve your picking technique with targeted exercises and examples.
View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Gypsy Picking: A Tutorial for Gypsy Jazz Guitar'.
  • Work through the exercises in the book, focusing on proper technique.
  • Apply the techniques learned to Gypsy Jazz repertoire.
Study 'Django Reinhardt: A Comprehensive Study'
Gain a deeper understanding of Django Reinhardt's life and musical contributions.
View Gypsy Jazz: In Search of Django Reinhardt and... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Django Reinhardt: A Comprehensive Study'.
  • Read the book, focusing on Django's technique and musical style.
  • Listen to Django's recordings while reading to connect the theory with practice.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice La Pompe Rhythm
Master the 'La Pompe' rhythm, the essential rhythmic foundation of Gypsy Jazz.
Show steps
  • Review the 'La Pompe' rhythm patterns taught in the course.
  • Practice the rhythm with a metronome at various tempos.
  • Play along with Gypsy Jazz recordings to internalize the feel.
Jam with Other Guitarists
Develop your improvisational skills and learn from other musicians by jamming with them.
Show steps
  • Find other guitarists interested in Gypsy Jazz.
  • Organize jam sessions to practice playing together.
  • Focus on improvising over common Gypsy Jazz chord progressions.
Transcribe a Gypsy Jazz Solo
Improve your ear training and understanding of Gypsy Jazz phrasing by transcribing a solo.
Show steps
  • Choose a Gypsy Jazz recording with a clear guitar solo.
  • Listen to the solo repeatedly, notating the notes and rhythms.
  • Practice playing the transcribed solo along with the recording.
Create a Gypsy Jazz Chord Melody Arrangement
Develop your arranging skills by creating a chord melody arrangement of a standard tune in the Gypsy Jazz style.
Show steps
  • Select a standard tune suitable for Gypsy Jazz arrangement.
  • Harmonize the melody with Gypsy Jazz chord voicings.
  • Combine the melody and chords into a playable arrangement.

Career center

Learners who complete The Secrets of Gypsy Jazz Guitar will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Guitar Teacher
A guitar teacher shares their passion and expertise with aspiring musicians. A comprehensive understanding of the instrument and various musical styles is essential for effective teaching. This course on Gypsy Jazz guitar helps an instructor broaden their repertoire and offer specialized instruction in this unique genre. By mastering the techniques, rhythms, and improvisational aspects of Gypsy Jazz, such as 'La Pompe,' stylish chord shapes, and rest-stroke picking, the guitar teacher can provide invaluable insights and skills to students interested in exploring this exciting musical style. Learning the basics of this style helps develop confidence which is essential to teaching.
See salaries and explore the career path for Guitar Teacher
Session Musician
Session musicians are hired to play on recordings and live performances. A broad skillset across multiple genres helps a musician find consistent work. This course on Gypsy Jazz guitar helps a session musician expand their versatility and offer a distinctive sound. By mastering the 'La Pompe' rhythm, stylistic chord shapes, arpeggios, and the rest-stroke picking technique, the session musician can confidently contribute to projects that call for an authentic Gypsy Jazz feel. The fundamentals and techniques taught help musicians broaden their horizons.
See salaries and explore the career path for Session Musician
Composer
Composers create original music for various purposes, including film, television, and video games. An understanding of music theory, orchestration, and different musical styles is essential. The course on Gypsy Jazz guitar may expose a composer to new melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic ideas. The course covers stylish chord shapes, chord progressions, and improvisation techniques, which a composer can adapt and incorporate into their compositions. Through this course, a composer may learn to weave the essence of Gypsy Jazz into their own unique musical creations. Learning the basics of this style helps develop confidence which may inspire new compositions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Composer
Music Arranger
A music arranger adapts existing compositions or creates original arrangements for various ensembles or instruments. A deep understanding of music theory, harmony, and different musical styles is critical. The course on Gypsy Jazz guitar may provide valuable insights into the unique harmonic and rhythmic characteristics of this genre. The course explores stylish chord shapes, chord progressions, and rhythm embellishments, which an arranger can use to imbue their arrangements with an authentic Gypsy Jazz flavor. The course examines improvisation in the Gypsy Jazz style which may lead to inspiration for arrangements.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Arranger
Music Publicist
Music publicists promote musicians and their music to the media. A broad knowledge of musical genres and styles is essential for crafting effective press releases and media campaigns. This course on Gypsy Jazz guitar helps a publicist gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of this unique style. By learning about 'La Pompe,' chord shapes, rest-stroke picking, and improvisation, the publicist can write with greater authority and detail about Gypsy Jazz artists and their music. The course helps publicists create compelling narratives that resonate with the media and the public.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Publicist
Music Journalist
Music journalists write about music, conducting interviews, reviewing albums, and providing commentary on the music industry. A broad knowledge of musical genres and styles is essential for providing insightful content. This course on Gypsy Jazz guitar helps a journalist gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of this unique style. By learning about 'La Pompe,' chord shapes, rest-stroke picking, and improvisation, the journalist can write with greater authority and detail about Gypsy Jazz music and its practitioners. The course helps journalists convey the nuances of the style to their audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Journalist
Music Store Employee
Music store employees assist customers with their instrument purchases, answer questions, and offer advice. A foundational understanding of various instruments and musical styles is helpful for customer service. This course on Gypsy Jazz guitar may equip an employee with specialized knowledge about this genre. By learning about the techniques, equipment, and repertoire associated with Gypsy Jazz, the employee can provide more informed recommendations to customers interested in exploring this style. The employee can use the knowledge gained from the course to assist customers in selecting the right guitar, strings, and accessories for playing Gypsy Jazz.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Store Employee
Music Supervisor
Music supervisors select and license music for film, television, and other media. A broad knowledge of musical genres and styles is essential for finding the perfect music to fit a particular scene or project. The course on Gypsy Jazz guitar helps a music supervisor gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of this unique style. The course explores 'La Pompe', chord shapes, rest-stroke picking, and improvisation, which may make the supervisor more likely to consider using Gypsy Jazz music in their projects. The course may help them identify and license appropriate Gypsy Jazz tracks for different contexts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Supervisor
Music Librarian
Music librarians manage and organize music collections, assisting researchers, performers, and students in accessing musical resources. A broad knowledge of music history, theory, and different musical styles is essential for effective cataloging and reference services. This course on Gypsy Jazz guitar helps a librarian gain a deeper understanding of this specific musical style. By learning about 'La Pompe,' chord shapes, rest-stroke picking, and improvisation, the librarian can more effectively classify and describe Gypsy Jazz materials within the collection. The course may also assist in answering reference questions related to this genre.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Librarian
Ethnomusicologist
Ethnomusicologists study music in its cultural context, exploring its social, historical, and anthropological dimensions. This often requires advanced degrees (master's or phd for example). This course on Gypsy Jazz guitar may provide a valuable foundation for understanding the specific techniques, traditions, and cultural significance of Gypsy Jazz music. By learning about 'La Pompe,' chord shapes, rest-stroke picking, and improvisation, the ethnomusicologist can gain insights into the unique characteristics of this style and its role within Gypsy culture. The course may serve as a starting point for further research and fieldwork. The course can develop insights into the unique characteristics of this style and its role within Gypsy culture.
See salaries and explore the career path for Ethnomusicologist
Talent Scout
A talent scout looks for new musicians to sign to record labels or management companies. A good ear and a broad knowledge of musical styles is essential to finding new talent. This course on Gypsy Jazz guitar helps a talent scout develop an informed perspective on the nuances of this specific style. By learning about the techniques, equipment, and repertoire associated with Gypsy Jazz, the talent scout can more effectively assess the potential of aspiring Gypsy Jazz guitarists. Also, the course helps talent scouts identify and sign promising artists.
See salaries and explore the career path for Talent Scout
Acoustic Guitar Technician
Acoustic guitar technicians maintain and repair acoustic guitars, ensuring optimal playability and sound quality. A deep understanding of the instrument's construction and mechanics is essential. This course on Gypsy Jazz guitar may indirectly enhance a technician's understanding of acoustic guitar setup and maintenance. While the course focuses primarily on playing techniques, the exploration of different chord shapes, arpeggios, and playing styles may provide insights into how these elements affect the instrument's overall performance. This understanding may aid the technician in diagnosing and addressing issues related to playability and tone. The course may help improve awareness of how different techniques impact the instrument.
See salaries and explore the career path for Acoustic Guitar Technician
Instrument Designer
Instrument designers create and develop new musical instruments or improve existing ones. This often requires an advanced degree (master's or phd for example). A deep understanding of music theory, acoustics, and instrument construction is essential. This course on Gypsy Jazz guitar may provide insights into the specific needs and preferences of Gypsy Jazz guitarists. By learning about the techniques, repertoire, and sound characteristics of this style, the designer can better understand how to optimize instrument design for Gypsy Jazz performance. The course may inspire new ideas for acoustic guitars tailored to the demands of this unique genre. The course teaches the fundamentals of this style which may help designers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Instrument Designer
Stage Manager
Stage managers are responsible for the technical and logistical aspects of live performances. A broad understanding of music and performance is helpful for coordinating rehearsals and performances. This course on Gypsy Jazz guitar may provide a stage manager with a better understanding of the specific needs and requirements of Gypsy Jazz musicians. While the course focuses primarily on playing techniques, the exploration of different chord shapes, arpeggios, and playing styles may provide insights into how these elements affect stage setup and sound reinforcement. This understanding may aid the stage manager in ensuring a smooth and successful performance for Gypsy Jazz ensembles. The course may help improve awareness of the type of equipment used within this genre.
See salaries and explore the career path for Stage Manager
Booking Agent
Booking agents find employment for musicians and bands. A knowledge of bands that are actively performing is essential to being successful in this role. This course in Gypsy Jazz guitar may help a booking agent learn about musicians who specialize in Gypsy Jazz and can represent them. By learning about the style and its players, the agent can more effectively promote and book Gypsy Jazz artists for venues and events. This knowledge may serve as a foundation for building relationships with musicians in this niche genre. Learning the basics of the style helps gain the confidence to represent this style to venues.
See salaries and explore the career path for Booking Agent

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Secrets of Gypsy Jazz Guitar.
Cover image
Gypsy Jazz
Save
Offers a historical and cultural exploration of Gypsy Jazz, tracing its origins and evolution. It provides context for understanding the music and its significance. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference. It useful reference tool for guitarists of all levels.
Gypsy Jazz: In Search of Django Reinhardt and the...
Hardcover
$$$
Django Reinhardt and the Illustrated History of...
Paperback
$$
Gypsy Jazz: In Search of Django Reinhardt and the...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Alter Ego
Save
Focuses specifically on the picking techniques used in Gypsy Jazz guitar. It provides exercises and examples to develop speed, accuracy, and tone. It useful reference tool for mastering the rest-stroke and other essential picking techniques. This book adds more depth to the existing course.
Alter Ego: A Novel
Paperback
$$

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to The Secrets of Gypsy Jazz Guitar.
Musicianship: Chord Charts, Diatonic Chords, and Minor...
Most relevant
Guitar Scales and Chord Progressions
Most relevant
Developing Your Musicianship
Most relevant
Songwriting: Writing the Music
Most relevant
Piano Techniques for Modern Music
Most relevant
Unlock New Harmonic Possibilities w/ Borrowed Chords
Most relevant
Learn Guitar Improvisation in 3-Minute Lessons!
Most relevant
Flawless Ear Training 2: Solidifying Your Musical...
Most relevant
Game Music in FL Studio: Learn Music Theory From Scratch
Most relevant

Udemy Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Global Marketplace Leader
Free Trial & Audit

Free Lecture Previews

Free preview video lectures available for all courses; optional 7-day free trial on Personal Plan subscriptions (cancel before trial ends to avoid conversion).

Return & Refund Policy

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

30-day money-back guarantee on all eligible individual course purchases (provided course content has not been substantially consumed or downloaded). Subscription fees are non-refundable once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Lifetime access to purchased individual courses and future updates, verifiable certificate of completion, and direct student Q&A forums.

Key Purchase Protections
30-day 100% money-back guarantee on course purchases
Lifetime access on web, mobile, and offline
Certificate of completion included with purchase
Direct instructor Q&A and active student community
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Rating
4.7 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
3 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Yaakov Hoter
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores La Pompe, which is the foundational rhythm technique in Gypsy Jazz, providing a solid base for learners
Covers rest-stroke picking, which is a core technique for achieving authentic Gypsy Jazz guitar sounds and styles
Teaches stylish chord shapes and progressions, which are essential for playing in the Gypsy Jazz style and creating authentic sounds
Includes downloadable PDFs of repertoire lists, chord progressions, and exercises, which may enhance the learning experience
Focuses on improvisation in the Gypsy Jazz style, which develops creative skills and allows learners to express themselves musically
Requires learners to have a guitar, which may be a barrier for some students who do not have access to one
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to The Secrets of Gypsy Jazz Guitar.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser